The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[PJinCali]

Aug. 17, 2006 – I spent some time reading the journals of several others MFers today and it has really helped me with my doubts and concerns. It seems that almost everyone on this journey has the same issues, concerns, challenges, etc, that I have been having. It was a relief to know all these thoughts and struggles are “normal”. It totally sucks to have to have the struggles & doubts but now I have more of a “we’re all in this together” feeling. It makes me appreciate everyone else’s encouraging words even more.

Today I received an email from my friend V that made my day. She said “you look like a MILLION BUCKS ... and the credit all goes to you!! no one else can give you that look ... “ & “i'm so proud of your discipline w/the diet ... lifestyle change ... you're doin' it girlfriend ... you really are ... i've got your back 110% ..” She is a really great friend and even though she has never had any weight problems, knows how to give me the support I need to keep going. She does pilaties and yoga and has 2 year old twins so she is one busy woman. It is tough to get together (she lives in the Agoura/Malibu lake area and I live in the South Bay. Those of you that live in the LA area know that is about 75 miles apart.) but we committed to getting together twice a month for a few hours.

Today I am back on plan 100% and ordered more chocolate RTD’s. I am going to start keeping a couple in the freezer so I can take them in my backpack when we go on some of our spur of the minute trips. I am not going to make excuses for going off plan. I can plan ahead and have the MF meals with me. I am also committing to an exercise regime that will make me successful in that area too. I don’t think I will ever be as FABULOUS with the exercise as Robin but I can try.

FYI – Hi Jeepgirl – I told Nick happy birthday from you. He said to tell you thanks and wants to know why you call yourself “Jeepgirl” Thanks for your support & kind words, I really appreciate it.

[PJinCali]

Aug. 20, 2006 – I had a big scare that may cause me to have to go off the plan. I had an episode of what the doctor called “PAT - Paroxysmal atrial tachycardia”. I am not sure what caused it but the doctor thinks maybe a potassium imbalance. He said most likely causes are drugs (I don’t take any) alcohol excess (I have not had a drink since April) too much caffeine (I have a maximum of 2 caffeine drinks each day, usually one) over active thyroid (not likely) or potassium imbalance. All I know is it scared me really bad and I thought I was having a heart attack. I went to the ER and they had a cardiologist examine me and talk with me. He made no secret of the fact that he does not approve of the medifast program. I gave him the web site addy so he could look at the information for himself. I doubt he will look at the information because a) he will not be seeing me again & b) he thinks he already knows everything about it and it is “bad for me”. I have to go see my own doctor tomorrow and she will most likely refer me to another cardiologist (I am in an HMO). In the interim I am reading about PAT to make sure I know enough to ask relevant questions.

More later…

[DogMa]

Oh, no, I hope everything is OK. (And I just love the doctors who make snap judgments like that when they know nothing about the program.)

Let us know what the doc says tomorrow. I'll be thinking about you.

(As for the exercise, believe me, I'm as shocked as anyone. Everyone who knows me is just flabbergasted at the sudden passion. Although my cousin the psychologist says she DOES think it's just another OCD symptom. But she said since I'm not washing my hands a million times a day or checking the lights over and over or anything like that, not to worry about it. It's just one more bit of the weirdness known as Robin.)

[Sojourner]

Hey, repeatedly getting up to wash your hands or check the lights is exercise, isn't it? LOL

PJ, I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow--I'll be sending good vibes your way...

[JeepGirl]

Oh PJ I will be thinking of you today! Please let us know what this Dr says. It just amazes me how some Drs are all for MF and others are totally against it. I guess they dont read the same Journals!

lol I go by JeepGirl because we have a slight obsession with them. We have 7 Jeeps. 2 are built rock crawling rigs, 1 is a vintage wagoneer, 1 rare stock scrambler, 1 is a j-10 truck, 1 is a 02 TJ to play in, and my Mommy one a 02 Grand Cherokee.
LOL we are slightly addicted to Jeeps!

[DogMa]

How'd it go, PJ? (I don't know what time your appointment was ...)

[PJinCali]

Aug. 23, 2006 – I went to my own doctor and here is what she said about the cardiologist that I met with in the ER with regard to his opinion of the MF program. “He is an uninformed moron!” She said he probably knew little or nothing about MF and should not have said what he said without, at a minimum, some basic knowledge of the program.

She had not seen me for a while and was very pleased with my progress so far on the program. We talked about how unhealthy it is for anyone to be 100+ pounds overweight. She was very happy I had decided against gastric bypass surgery (because I have a history of not doing well after even minor surgery). She also said she has never seen me with such a positive attitude about my future. As for the PAT, she is referring me to a cardiologist for further examination and review. She agrees that this episode was most likely caused by low potassium. She reviewed my food & exercise diary and said I could add an otc potassium supplement. She also said that PAT does not usually indicate heart disease or damage. It is more of an electrical thing, like a misfire or something. I will meet with the cardiologist next week. I am not as worried as I was prior to discussing the episode and the MF program with my own doctor. Needless to say, I will stick to the program.

Thank you for sending me your good thoughts, it made me feel great to read your messages.

[Sojourner]

Whew! That's a load off, huh? I'm glad everything went well for you--your doc sounds pretty cool. Did she really call the other doctor a moron?! LOL That's great! So, you're all cleared for more tree stump annihilation?
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[PJinCali]

Thanks Sojourner

Yes, my doc has her moments & that's why I stick with her. She was pissed that the other doctor was so quick dismiss the program without knowing anything about it.

I love that little chopping guy in your post My chopping episode was a rare occurance (or someone would call the law on me) it freaked out my offspring a little bit but there is nothing wrong with that

[DogMa]

That's great news, PJ. And I'm glad you're feeling better about the whole thing.

It's amazing how many docs who don't know about the program dismiss it immediately, and how many who are familiar with it recommend it. Scary, really. The last thing I want is a doc who makes snap judgments about things he/she knows nothing about.

How are you feeling with the supplements?

[Arklahoma]

So glad you got the good news.
KUTGW!!!

[PJinCali]

September 3, 2006 – I have not been journaling lately and I need to get back to it. We went to Vegas last weekend to see Cirque Du Soleil’s – KA (FABULOUS SHOW EVERYONE SHOULD SEE IT) . It was really tough but I stayed compliant the whole time we were there. I was not happy about staying compliant I felt deprived (silly I know but it’s the truth). We had a great weekend and will probably go back later this month. I took RTD shakes and oatmeal and a case of water so staying on plan was pretty straight forward. Boy! did I want a drink while I was there! I did not have one, but I really wanted one.

I still don’t have an appointment for the cardiologist (life when you have an HMO for your health insurance) but I have been feeling great and have not had any more PAT episodes.

I spent most of the day going through all my clothing so I can get all the items that are too large out of my house (I am happy they will go to someone that can use them). I was so disappointed in myself because of the number of items that had never been worn (many with the tags still on). Why in the world did I spend that money?! My method of shopping was to go to the big girls store, find something that was not too hideous, pay for it and get out of there. Some of it may have come from on line purchases as well. I am not buying anything else until I feel comfortable going to the store, selecting something I love, trying it on first and then buy it if it looks great. I have enough clothes in various sizes to last for a while so this should not be a problem. However, once something is too big it has to go. Even if I love something, I do not want to be this big ever again!

The new puppy (Ginger) is driving me crazy. It is like having a newborn in the house again. Thank goodness my sons help take care of her. I think she misses her mom and siblings. She cries and cries when she is left alone. This is so confusing to our other dog; she just does not know what to do. It has only been a few days so I am very sure we will all get adjusted and things will get better.

OK, time to go to sleep. We are having a family BBQ tomorrow so it should be a fun day.

PJ

[lauradr]

PJ, You did great being in Las vegas and not cheating good for you, I will be there in Nov. for a sales meeting I will have to see the show, sounds great!!!! I Thank we all have clothes like you with Tags.You are doing so good

[DogMa]

Sounds like you did great in Vegas. I'm sure you DID feel deprived; but that stuff will all still be there later on for occasional indulgences.

[PJinCali]

Thanks Laura & Robin

I am in the groove with this program and even though I might feel deprived at the moment, I am always very proud of myself for sticking to the program.

Laura if you go to KA you will not be dissappointed. I went with my daughter and two of my sons & everyone loved it. The lighting the costumes & the music...very powerful and beautiful.

Thanks for your support

PJ